Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Three Things I Want My Children To...

It must be serendipity. For the past few days I've been mulling over a post about a favorite meme question of mine, "what three qualities do you most want to instill in your children?", so when I saw that MamaBlogga's new Group Writing Project is about just that, or nearly so, I jumped on it. She asks bloggers to write on the theme of "3 things I want my children to..."

I could say that I want my children to start eating vegetables, or begin to clean up after themselves without being asked, or simply to get up and dressed on time in the morning with a smile on their face. (Ha! Fat chance. I'd sooner ask for the sun to stop circling the earth. Oh wait. It's the earth that spins while the sun stands still. Nevermind. Bygones.) I could have answered in many different ways, but I couldn't pass up the chance to get all introspective and serious for a few minutes, so here it is.

The three qualities I most hope to instill in my children are open-mindedness, a love of diversity, and a strong sense of self.

Open-mindedness: the ability to recognize and appreciate that there are many different and varied paths to walk, the ability to see the positive in a new approach, a new way of thinking, a new solution. To take new information or ways of thinking and judge them openly and honestly, on their merits, and to not be afraid to adopt those that are judged worthy, whether they are the popular choice or just the right one.

Diversity: To be accepting and gentle with those whose lives are on a different path, and to strive to see the beauty in the differences among us. To see that what unites us is so much stronger than that which divides us. To cherish and promote tolerance.

A strong sense of self: To believe in themselves enough, to have a strong enough sense of their own identity, that they are able to be open-minded and value diversity, to see the beauty in the ways of others without feeling threatened or diminished, but rather strengthened and confident in their own convictions. To grow up knowing who they are, and to find joy in the lifelong discovery of what they are.

And so, my children, my wish for you. Be true to yourselves, be tolerant and open-minded in your dealings with all others, and the rest will follow along.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this entry! What excellent qualities for your children!

Unknown said...

These are very positive values - every mother/father ought to adapt them

Nancy said...

Well written and positive goals for children and adults alike

Corey~living and loving said...

Great list! I fully agree. Those are some great things to instill in children. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Karen said...

It's getting hard to read all of these entries. Because they are all so good and now my list of things to teach my kids is a mile long. Things I'm sure I've been teaching them, but now I'm aware of it and I'm stressed I'll fail!
Three very good points! And well written!

Anonymous said...

I am with you. In addition to wanting those for the kids, I keep hoping my own stake in those qualities will get easier to maintain the older I get. Especially the open-mindedness one.

Daisy said...

I enjoyed your post: both the real qualities and those you didn't dare dream of!

Anonymous said...

Excellent. What more could anyone add?

Anonymous said...

HA! Getting dressed and getting going in the morning. I hear you!

Very well written Robin, and those are all great values for children and adults to learn.